A Minnesota PBS Initiative
My Tribute to Warren Hall
My Tribute to Warren Hall On a June 1968 morning at the Minneapolis, MN federal courthouse, Warren and I met for the first time. We were leaving for Army Basic Training at Fort Dix, New Jersey. We were two small-town boys; Warren grew up in Parkers Prairie, Minnesota and I lived in McFarland, Wisconsin until I left for college in Minnesota in 1964. Both of us wondered how we got into this fine mess. Little did we know…
I have touched his name many times at the MN Vietnam Veterans Memorial in St. Paul, at The Wall in Washington D.C. in 1997, again at The Wall That Heals in 2018. His memory still brings tears to my eyes AND a big smile!
We were roommates in Basic and stayed at Fort Dix for Advanced Infantry Training (AIT). We then attended Officer Candidate School (OCS) at Fort Benning, Georgia and again were roommates. Six months later my wife, Kathy, proudly pinned Warren’s 2LT (Lieutenant) bars on his uniform at our OCS graduation.
In November 1969, two weeks separated our orders to Vietnam as infantry platoon leaders. We last saw each other briefly at “Jungle School” in Panama. Warren was leaving and I was arriving. It was too short a visit. In Vietnam, Warren was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division and I went to the 25th Infantry Division.
In a January 1970 phone call from Minneapolis to Cu Chi, Vietnam, characterized by severe electrical noise and interference, Kathy tearfully informed me that Warren had been killed on January 17. I could hardly believe it! I felt sick to my stomach. I was angry, frustrated and scared. This could not be happening. It was the first of some very low points during my yearlong tour.
S. Peterson
Warren & me on 28 April 69
Years later I learned Warren was killed by a booby trap along with three of his men from D/1/501/101st Airborne Division.
S.Peterson
The Wall That Heals, 14WL40
I think of Warren often and still remember his quiet presence and great sense of humor. We had become such good friends under great anticipatory and stressful conditions. Warren was well liked and well respected by all who knew him. Through his hard work, loyalty to his fellow soldiers and his calm presence in the midst of Army chaos, Warren earned respect. I know he was a good officer and served with honor and dignity.
Warren’s loss is our nation’s loss. Unfortunately, he is one of many whose names are on The Wall. I have touched his name many times at the MN Vietnam Veterans Memorial in St. Paul, at The Wall in Washington D.C. in1997, again at The Wall That Heals in 2018.
His memory still brings tears to my eyes AND a big smile! I am honored to have known him as a true friend, even for such a short time.
Warren, I wish you and your family PEACE!
With gratitude and love,
Steven J, Peterson
July 4, 2018
Biographical Details
Submitted From: St. Paul, MN
Primary Location During Vietnam: Cu Chi, Vietnam 
Story Subject: Military Service
Military Branch: U.S. Army
Dates of Service: 1968 - 1971
Unit: Army
Story Themes: 101st Airborne Division, 25th Infantry Division, Brotherhood, Cu Chi, Fort Dix, Killed in Action, Minnesota Vietnam Veterans Memorial, The Vietnam Wall, The Wall That Heals
Show Comments